How the Fiat 124 Spider Makes Enthusiasts Weak in the Knees

The Mazda MX-5 Miata was the answer to all of an enthusiast’s questions with its sporty ride, versatility and usability. However, enthusiasts that have gotten behind the wheel of a Miata know what one of the sports car’s major downside is: Its sound.

The Miata is a peppy little car that’s a hoot to drive, but it leaves a lot to be desired, particularly the engine note it produces. Well, the Italians have found a way to fix that with their own version of the Miata—the Fiat 124 Spider. Underneath its more elongated and uniquely styled body, the 124 Spider sits upon the same chassis as the Miata, but has a few features that make it intriguingly Italian.

Most notably is the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine sitting under the hood, which puts out 160 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. While some will notice that the 124 Spider makes five more horsepower than the Miata, the most important aspect of the engine is theglorious note it sings. In its more extreme Abarth guise, the 124 Spider benefits from a quad-outlet exhaust system that will make any enthusiast giddy.

Even Youtube channels have managed to spot an Abarth 124 Spider being loaded onto a truck, capturing the amped-up sports car revving its engine. So, if you hadn’t considered the Abarth 124 Spider to be in the same league as a high-end sports car, listen its guttural notes — you may just have a change of heart.

While the Abarth 124 Spider sounds like a mini-supercar, Fiat spared no expense to ensure the base 124 Spider to ensure that it sounds just as good (and it’s worked). In a new commercial named “Free Like A Bird,” Fiat emphasizes how the peppy sports car will give passengers the feeling of being free.

After an eagle lands onto the back of the sports car and the music by Wyclef Jean has stopped, the driver pins the throttle, which releases a fury of turbocharged goodness. With the 124 Spider set to go one sale in the U.S. this summer, the streets will be filled with glorious Italian music that the Miata can’t match.

Experience Freedom with The Auto Gallery

Having a sports car that makes a nice sound is an integral part of enjoying the drive. At The Auto Gallery, we enjoy cars that have a loud bark and the bite to back it up, which is why we’re enthusiastic about the Fiat 124 Spider.

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